Dick Whittington

St Paul's Players Pantomime this year was the ever popular Dick Whittington where we were entertained by all the usual characters that you would expect to find in this well-known story. With excellent scenery and attractive bright colourful costumes this was an enjoyable traditional pantomime directed by the talented Graham Cohen. The hard-working cast included Becca Hilton in the title role of Dick Whittington and Helena Carter as Alice who worked together making a nice pantomime couple. Vincent Taylor as Dolly Dumpling told lots of jokes and also informed the audience on a number of occasions that he had difficulty learning his lines a fact that was played on with great effect not only by himself but by Dolly’s son Idle Jack played excellently by Dax Owen which provided some extra unexpected funny situations, and they also had an excellent rapport with the audience, which resulted in two very good entertaining comedy performances. Siobhan Edge as Queen Rat made an excellent baddie with very good clear vocal projection with just the right level of malice, she got lots of boos from the audience. Her opposite protagonist was the enchanting Fairy Bowbells played by Jacqui Brian. David Greenfield and Leanne Romney as Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper had spot on comic timing with good delivery of their lines the result being an excellent comedy duo who were well liked by the audience. There were also worthy performances from Eleanor Quin as Tom the cat and Keith Brian as the beleaguered Alderman Fitzwarren. I should also mention a nice cameo performance from Debbie Leyland as the Sultana of Morocco The children's chorus all appeared to put their heart and souls into performing the up to date, well thought out choreography by Lorrain Sullivan, and appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely, especially the boys who throw themselves wholly into the performance. Diction and clarity of words was satisfactory meaning the plot could be followed easily and musical accompaniment and some of the singing was by backing tracks although it was a little hard to hear the soloist at times.  However, the success of any pantomime can be measured by the response from the audience and there was certainly lots of audience participation during this performance.

Well done to all the technical crew, set painters and stage crew and to all involved in this entertaining production. Congratulations to Graham Cohen and to Producer Jane Harrison, thank you very much for inviting us, hope to see you for your next production,

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.